Apple Pie Egg Rolls: A Deliciously Unexpected Dessert
Craving apple pie but looking for a fun, portable, and slightly unconventional twist? Look no further than apple pie egg rolls! These crispy, golden-brown delights are packed with all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie, encased in a perfectly crunchy egg roll wrapper. They’re surprisingly easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering (or a delicious treat for yourself!).
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible apple pie egg rolls. We’ll cover everything from preparing the apple filling to expertly wrapping the egg rolls and achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp. Get ready to experience apple pie in a whole new way!
Why Apple Pie Egg Rolls?
Why should you ditch the traditional pie slice for these hand-held wonders? Here are just a few reasons:
* **Portability:** Perfect for parties, picnics, or on-the-go snacking. No plates or forks required!
* **Fun and Unique:** A delightful surprise that will impress your friends and family.
* **Easy to Make (Once You Get the Hang of It):** While the wrapping takes a little practice, the overall process is straightforward.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the filling to your favorite apple varieties, spices, and sweetness level.
* **Crispy Perfection:** The contrast between the warm, spiced apple filling and the crispy egg roll wrapper is simply divine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most are pantry staples!
**For the Apple Filling:**
* 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup water
* Pinch of salt
**For the Egg Rolls:**
* 24 egg roll wrappers
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Vegetable oil, for frying (or canola oil)
**Optional Garnishes:**
* Powdered sugar
* Caramel sauce
* Whipped cream
* Vanilla ice cream
Equipment Needed
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Small bowl for egg wash
* Pastry brush
* Deep fryer or large pot for frying
* Slotted spoon or spider
* Paper towels
* Thermometer (optional, but recommended for maintaining oil temperature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your apple pie egg rolls.
**Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling**
1. **Dice the Apples:** Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Aim for roughly 1/2-inch cubes.
2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), melted butter, lemon juice, water, and salt. Stir well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
3. **Cook the Filling:** Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
4. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apple filling cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the egg roll wrappers from becoming soggy. You can transfer the filling to a bowl and refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process. I recommend at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
**Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls**
1. **Prepare Your Workspace:** Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Have the cooled apple filling and beaten egg wash readily available.
2. **Position the Wrapper:** Place one egg roll wrapper on the surface with a corner pointing towards you (like a diamond shape).
3. **Add the Filling:** Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of the wrapper. Avoid overfilling, as this can make the egg rolls difficult to seal and more prone to bursting during frying.
4. **Fold the Bottom Corner:** Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, tucking it tightly. This is the first, crucial step in securing the filling.
5. **Fold the Sides:** Fold the left and right corners inwards, towards the center of the wrapper. This creates a sealed envelope shape.
6. **Roll and Seal:** Brush the top corner of the wrapper with the beaten egg wash. Roll the egg roll tightly away from you, pressing gently to seal the seam. The egg wash acts as a glue, ensuring the egg roll stays closed during frying.
7. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining wrappers and apple filling. Make sure to keep the finished egg rolls covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
**Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls**
1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil (or canola oil) into a deep fryer or large pot. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). A thermometer is highly recommended to ensure accurate temperature control. If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will be greasy; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn quickly.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the egg rolls into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer or pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls. About 4-5 egg rolls per batch is usually a good starting point, depending on the size of your fryer/pot.
3. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to flip them occasionally for even cooking.
4. **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Cool Slightly:** Let the egg rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but be careful not to burn your mouth!
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Dust the egg rolls with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Get creative with your garnishes!
3. **Serve Immediately:** Apple pie egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh. The longer they sit, the softer the wrapper will become.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overfill:** Resist the urge to pack too much filling into each egg roll. Overfilling is a surefire way to end up with burst egg rolls and a messy frying situation.
* **Seal Tightly:** Make sure to seal the egg rolls tightly with the egg wash. This prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Keeping the oil temperature consistent is crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown egg rolls. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
* **Fry in Batches:** Overcrowding the fryer will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
* **Cool the Filling Completely:** A warm filling will soften the egg roll wrappers, making them difficult to work with and prone to tearing. Be patient and let the filling cool completely before assembling the egg rolls.
* **Use Fresh Egg Roll Wrappers:** Stale or dried-out egg roll wrappers are more likely to crack and tear. Use fresh wrappers for best results. Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while you’re working.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple varieties, spices, and additions to the filling. Try adding raisins, cranberries, walnuts, or pecans for a unique twist.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also air fry these! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the egg rolls with oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the egg rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving.
Variations and Additions
The beauty of apple pie egg rolls is their versatility. Here are some ideas to customize them to your liking:
* **Apple Varieties:** Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are all excellent choices.
* **Spices:** Adjust the spices to your taste. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a warm, fragrant flavor.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Dried Fruit:** Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for added sweetness and chewiness.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Stir a spoonful of caramel sauce into the apple filling for an extra decadent treat.
* **Chocolate:** Add chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-apple pie experience.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve the egg rolls with a variety of dipping sauces, such as caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, vanilla glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Savory Twist:** For a savory twist, try adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the filling and serving the egg rolls with a side of cheddar cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Apple pie egg rolls are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a delightful dessert after a meal.
* **Party Appetizer:** They make a fun and unique appetizer for parties and gatherings.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring them to a potluck and impress your friends and family.
* **Holiday Treat:** They’re a festive treat for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
*Please note that nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 200-250 per egg roll
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 3-5g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerating:** Leftover apple pie egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the wrapper will soften over time.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can bake the egg rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it will make the wrapper soggy.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze assembled, un-fried egg rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly altered after freezing.
Conclusion
Apple pie egg rolls are a fun, delicious, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie. With their crispy, golden-brown exterior and warm, spiced apple filling, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow these step-by-step instructions, and get ready to experience apple pie in a whole new way! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to create your own signature apple pie egg roll recipe. Happy cooking (and eating)!